THE SKY'S THE LIMIT SINCE 1937

The airline first came into being on April 10, 1937, when Trans-Canada Air Lines was incorporated by an Act of Parliament to coordinate air transport across Canada's broad expanse. Its means? $5 million and three airplanes: two Lockheed Electras and a Stearman, fresh from crop-dusting duties. Who would have thought it would mark the takeoff toward 75 years of innovation?

2012

2014

The First Five Years - TCA’s takeoff
In the early 1930s no air service spans our vast nation and most Canadians can’t imagine flying. With a few good men, $5 million, two Lockheed Electras and a Stearman fresh from crop-dusting duties, the company takes off flying.

The First Five Years - Lockheed 14 Super Electra
Years in operation: 1938-1948
An improved version of the original Lockheed 10A (TCA’s first plane), these silver birds are now vintage beauties.

1940s - Growth spurt
Assisting in the war effort, TCA charts the hazardous Atlantic crossing. Thanks to improvements in airports and navigation technology – like radio – that help manage Canada’s weather extremes, the staff’s sense of pride and unity grows along with its fleet and route map.

1940s - Canadair North Star
Years in operation: 1947-1961
These Canadian-made planes became the first pressurized four-engine aircraft in the fleet. The first model, the C-54GM was loaned to TCA by the RCAF and was unpressurized.

1950s - Passion and purpose
In anticipation of the jet age, the airline expands its route network and flies more Canadians (and increasingly exotic goods) farther than ever before, both throughout Canada and around the world.

1950s - Vickers Viscount
Years in operation: 1955-1974
TCA became the first North American carrier to bring turbine driven aircraft into service with the gallant Vickers Viscount. The 48-passenger aircraft cruised at a speed of 507 km per hour.

1960s - The Jet Age
With the purchase of the exciting DC-8 aircraft, the first commercial jet, TCA – which becomes Air Canada in 1965 – revolutionizes the airline industry and cuts flying time in half.

1960s - McDonnell Douglas DC-9
Years in operation: 1966-2002
The fleet’s workhorse, this second-generation jet improved Canadian transcontinental routes. Retrofitted models served in the fleet for over 45 years.

1970s - OK computer
Computers improve ticketing and reservation systems and make for more efficient flying. The company’s ambitions are embodied in the Boeing 747, the biggest bird to ever take to the skies.

1970s - Lockheed L-1011-100 TriStar
Years in operation: 1973-1996
This smaller medium- to long-range aircraft had a galley located under the passenger floor, in the belly of the cabin, in which meals were prepared and brought up by elevator.

1980s - Global reach
Now privatized, Air Canada celebrates world-class service and its new place on the global commercial stage by offering more and more flights within Europe.

1980s - Boeing 747
Years in operation: 1971-2006
Air Canada became the first Canadian airline to introduce the 747 into service across Canada and in Europe. These huge birds offered a spaciousness and luxury new to commercial aircraft.

1990s - Network era
Air Canada joins the international network, building ties with other airlines by founding Star Alliance(TM) and introducing electronic ticketing, self-serve kiosks and the company’s first website.

1990s - Airbus 340
Years in operation: 1995- 2008
The Airbus 340 is an efficient long-range, four-engine wide-body passenger jet with a cruising speed of 869 km/hour. The A-340 first flew between Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa on June 21, 1995.

2000s - Smart Mobility
Flying has become easy, comfortable and personalized to passengers’ tastes thanks to the introduction of personal seatback entertainment systems, wireless ticket services and smartphone apps that adapt to the speed of contemporary life.

2000s – Boeing 777-300
Years in operation: 2007-present
The world’s largest twinjet is more commonly referred to as the “Triple Seven.” It can carry over 300 passengers, and has a range of 9068 miles.

2010s - Flying into the future
Voted Best International Airline in North America in the Skytrax World Airline Awards three years running. With the groundbreaking Boeing 787 set to join the fleet, the future of flight is about to get new wings.

2010s – Boeing 777-300
Years in operation: 2007-present
The world’s largest twinjet is more commonly referred to as the “Triple Seven.” It can carry over 300 passengers, and has a range of 9068 miles.